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Monday, October 26, 2009

Then they wonder why the BNP is gaining traction. Time to boot Labour on its ear although I can't see the Tories being any better.

A militant Islamic group was given more than £113,000 of taxpayers money to run a nursery and two primary schools.

Members of Hizb ut-Tahrir used the cash to teach children as young as five about their beliefs.

The group - which Tony Blair promised to ban after the 7/7 attacks on London - were given £113,411 to provide the three educational centres in Tottenham and Slough.

Hizb ut-Tahrir is an international Sunni political party whose goal is to combine all Muslim countries in a unitary Islamic state or caliphate, ruled by Islamic law and with a caliph head of state elected by Muslims.

A 2005 public meeting, in which representatives of Hizb ut-Tahrir spoke about the attacks: The group was given £113,000 for educational purposes

A 2005 public meeting, in which representatives of Hizb ut-Tahrir spoke about the 7/7 attacks: The group was given £113,000 for educational purposes

Ministers are today expected to come under pressure to investigate why the money was provided.

The group is regarded as an 'organisation of concern' by the Home Office.

Mr Mercer, MP for Newark and Retford, said: 'Hizb ut-Tahrir may not be illegal but it has definitely been identified as part of the conveyor-belt to terrorism.

That Hizb is involved with vulnerable youngsters is deeply disturbing.'

Lib-Dem MP Paul Holmes, a member of the Commons children, schools and families committee, said: 'It seems illogical that the Government would give money to a school associated with this type of group.

'The Government has said Ofsted inspects all schools ... however, I have not been convinced that the government inspections have been robust enough to prevent schools teaching things which society could be concerned about.'

Hizb ut-Tahrir has said British Muslims should 'fight assimilation' into British society.

The three schools are run by the Islamic Shakhsiyah Foundation, a registered charity. At least three of the four trustees are Hizb ut-Tahrir members or activists.

A Department for Children, Schools and Families spokesman said local authorities were responsible for ensuring 'providers were appropriate'.